Digital Images and Film Simulation

[Paul Jenkin]

As a long-term film user who previously had his own darkroom, I miss the fun of seeing the image appearing from the clarity of the exposed paper.

However, I recently started using a piece of software called "Silver Efex Pro" from Nik Software. Okay, it's never going to replace film, but it does a good job of simulating several well-known films.

Anyone else use it? Are digital images made to look like film allowed on here?

[Ray Heath]

G'day Paul

Why?

Why try and fake something?

Why not use traditional analogue methods for a traditional result?

Why not embrace digital as being a different medium and develop techniques that embrace those differences?

[Paul Jenkin]

Hi Ray.

Why? I think my opening sentence goes a long way to explaining. However...

For many years I had my own darkroom but I no longer have the space for one or the time to produce my own chemical prints. Also, for a brief period, I didn't even have a film camera. So, I decided to see how effective technology - in the shape of Silver Efex Pro - is at producing film simulations.

Incidentally, I have fully embraced digital as a different and "parallel" medium and thoroughly enjoy using both film and digital. I currently own three digital cameras: Nikon D300, D700 and Panasonic Lumix LX3, as well as Canon F1-N, EF and A1 film bodies, a Hasselblad 500 c/m, a Voigtlander Vito 35mm folder and Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/16 120 folder.

I shoot a wide range of subjects from portraits/weddings to landscapes to travel to street and macro work on digital and also on film.

Nevertheless, there are some digital images I've taken with which I enjoy experimenting. I like the technology. I don't believe it will ever replace film but it's fun using it and seeing how the results turn out. That's my prerogative.

Since re-acquiring a number of film cameras, I am thoroughly enjoying using them. I still don't have a darkroom, however, so I use the services of a local pro photographer to develop the negs and trannies for me. I then scan them so I can post the results - either to my website (currently under construction / review) or to forums and galleries like this one.

Now - back to my original question:

Can anyone tell me whether digital images that have been manipulated to simulate film are allowed on this site, or point to the rule where they are disallowed, please?

Many thanks.

Paul.

[ann]

I think silver efex is a great piece of software and reminds me a bit of working in a traditional darkroom.

Years ago the following comment would have never come from my mouth, but an old dog can learn new tricks.

Who cares, it is all about the image and obtaining the results that one's creative mind can image.

[David Luttmann]

G'day Paul

Why?

Why try and fake something?

Why not use traditional analogue methods for a traditional result?

Why not embrace digital as being a different medium and develop techniques that embrace those differences?

I know. You've got a roll of Fuji Astia half finished in your camera. Now you have a shot you would love to have taken with Tri-X or Neopan 1600. You can now have it look that way with Silver Efex. Embracing each as their own means you have a color image instead.

Simple.

[R Shaffer]

As a long-term film user who previously had his own darkroom, I miss the fun of seeing the image appearing from the clarity of the exposed paper.

However, I recently started using a piece of software called "Silver Efex Pro" from Nik Software. Okay, it's never going to replace film, but it does a good job of simulating several well-known films.

Anyone else use it? Are digital images made to look like film allowed on here?

I love my Silver Efex Pro and use it all the time. Most of the film presets come out too contrasty, IMO, for the initial conversion. SO I usually use APX Pro 100 or Acros 100 as a starting point and then adjust from there.

But the control point adjustments, toning and vignette tools are so easy I use it regularly for PP on my film scans.

Good stuff, enjoy it.

[ann]

Don't think i have ever used the film presets, but love the control points for burning and dodging.

[David Luttmann]

I love my Silver Efex Pro and use it all the time. Most of the film presets come out too contrasty, IMO, for the initial conversion. SO I usually use APX Pro 100 or Acros 100 as a starting point and then adjust from there.

But the control point adjustments, toning and vignette tools are so easy I use it regularly for PP on my film scans.

Good stuff, enjoy it.

I lower contrast when processing the raw file to get the film effect I want. You can however just make note of the grain intensity and softness settings of one film, and use them on another. I like Tri-X grain....but place it on the Neopan 400 contrast.

[Ray Heath]

So guys, how's about posting some examples?

[livemoa]

Ray, try the nik software site if you are genuinely interested, it has samples plus demonstrations of how it works